Run your next marathon in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Join us for this unbeatable 5-day Venice marathon and 3-month training package.
RACE NUMBER, 3-MONTH CUSTOM TRAINING PROGRAM & UNRIVALLED SUPPORT FROM OUR COACHES
- Entrance to the Venice Marathon held on Sunday 26 October, 2014
- A 3-month personal training program and unlimited online support from your coach to get you to the start line in the best possible form.
- Pre-race technical briefing and course presentation with our Coaches
- Group training session in Venice prior to race day
- Trip to the Marathon Expo
- Running4you technical t-shirt
A UNIQUE HOTEL IN THE DESIRABLE CANNAREGIO DISTRICT
- 4 nights in a stunning 4 star Venetian hotel, Hotel Giorgione, known for its charm and characteristic style, impeccable service and great location.
- An Italian-speaking, Italy-based team who will accompany you throughout the trip
- Group lunches and dinners in selected local restaurants (optional)
- Group pasta dinner the evening before the race (optional)
- Private walking tour and Gondola Ride (optional)
Additional Benefits:
- 10% discount on Running4you Running Camps in 2015
Excluded:
- Flights to/from Venice Marco Polo or Canova Treviso
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, meals and snacks (with the exception of breakfast which is included in the price)
- Airport transfer – but we can arrange this for you upon request.
ACCOMMODATION:
You’ll be staying in the stunning 4 star Hotel Giorgione, in a central yet peaceful location in the Cannaregio district of Venice. Just 5 minutes walk from the Ponte di Rialto and a 10 minute stroll along narrow streets and Italian piazzas to St. Mark’s square you have the best of both worlds, the beauty of authentic Venice on your doorstep, yet the tranquillity of a hotel away from the crowds and the noise. There are 2 boat stops just 300m from the hotel.
The hotel is decorated in authentic Venetian style, with a beautiful internal courtyard and fountain, guest lounge and its own restaurant offering a wide range of traditional Venetian dishes and a choice of Italian and international wines.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE:
Write to us at events@running4you.org and we’ll send you the full program, race registration and booking form. When you book we'll ask you for an initial deposit to hold your place and register your race number, with the balance to be paid at least 6 weeks prior to departure. Download the brochure for full details.
Please note, to participate in races in Italy you either have to be a member of a national federation affiliated with IAAF (ie, a member of a registered running club) or alternatively you must submit a health certificate signed by your doctor that states you are is in good health and fit to compete in ATHLETICS events. We can provide you with a draft health form if required.
PROGRAM:
Thursday 23rd October - Arrival
Afternoon : Arrival in Venice
Evening: Welcome drink & group dinner in local restaurant
Friday 24th October – Relax, have fun, explore the city
Morning : Group Run
Afternoon : Opportunity to visit one of the most famous and romantic cities in the world. Optional private 2 hour walking tour and 35 minute gondola ride “Discover Venice”.
Saturday 25th October – Race Preparation Day
Morning: Group trip to the Expo (or if you prefer, we’ll pick up your race number for you).
Afternoon: Time to chill out before the final briefing session & marathon course presentation with the Running4you coaches.
Evening: Pasta dinner in hotel restaurant
Sunday 26th October – Race Day
Early breakfast served in the hotel. Then coaches will take you from Piazza Roma in Venice to the start line in Stra.
09.20 - THE RACE
The Running4you team will be there to cheer you on around the course, to meet you at the finish line, and help you back to the hotel once you’ve collected your medal.
GROUP CELEBRATORY LUNCH
Afternoon: Free time to relax, final opportunity for sightseeing or shopping in local boutiques.
Monday 27th October – Check-out
Breakfast followed by hotel check-out.
VENICE MARATHON COURSE INFO:
The race starts at 9:20 am, and has a maximum finish time of 6 hours.
The start is located next to the Villa Pisani in the small town called Stra, about 25 km west of Venice. The route passes along the beautiful Riviera del Brenta, through the more industrialised areas of Marghera and Mestre before entering San Giuliano's Park (for approximately 2km) and then going on to the Liberty Bridge, a long, straight bridge about 4 kilometres long which takes you into Venice. You’ll pass through Venice's renovated port and into the city centre for the final unique, unforgettable kilometres along the Giudecca Canal to the Punta della Dogana, where you’ll cross the Grand Canal on a pontoon bridge, built especially for the race.
The course then passes by St Mark’s square (if water levels permit!) and the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) to the finish line at the waterfront on the Riva Sette Martiri.
It’s a pretty flat, fast course with a few short (100m) inclines between the 25-25km points. In the last 3km, however, you’ll have to run over 14 small bridges that cross the Venetian canals, although the bridges are covered with wooden ramps so at least you don’t have to take on the steps!
The whole route is closed to traffic and every 1km is signposted, with drink stations every 5km. There are a total of 8000 participants.
ABOUT VENICE:
Venice is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. In addition to the famous sights including St.Mark’s square, the Basilica and Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and alleys, take aperitivo and cicheti (snacks) in one of the cool bars, or enjoy an Italian gelato (icecream) whilst you take in the art, culture and history of this amazing city. Alternatively, jump on a vaporetto (passenger boat) and visit the city via the canals.
Take a look at the photo gallery.
HOW TO GET TO VENICE:
Marco Polo is the main airport with direct flights from British Airways and Easyjet, whilst Ryanair flies into Treviso.
Both airports have good public transport connections to the city, but we can arrange a transfer for you upon request.